Junee Taekwondo has adopted a new approach to self-defence in the hopes of empowering women who are victims of domestic violence.
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The Pink Belt Project was created in 2018 by Western Australian woman Kristy Hitchens, who was inspired by a friend's experience and subsequent growth through taekwondo.
The project provides a free, one year scholarship to women to join their local taekwondo club and learn self-defence techniques, either through a number of crowdfunded scholarships by the Pink Belt Project, or by the individual clubs opting to fund their own.
The idea spread to NSW and even the US, with Junee's club now being the only regional club in the state to facilitate the program as of 2020.
Junee instructor John Leak said the program was about more than just self-defence.
"Our group helps create a peer support network for women," he said.
"Behind all the instructions they are given, these women are opening up about their experiences and, because many of the self-defence moves can be confronting or triggering, they are given that opportunity to lean on each other and overcome a lot of their fears."
Carolyn Grant has been involved in Junee's classes for the past few years, and said taekwondo has helped her through an abusive marriage.
"I was in an abusive relationship in my past marriage, I was very timid and terrified of men," she said.
"Since joining these classes I've become more assertive, I've got so much more confidence and I'm more open to talking about my past situation."
Ms Grant said her newfound confidence has changed her life, and she hopes it can do the same for others.
"I couldn't even talk to people before, but now, I am able to open up to others and give support to women who need it," she said.
"The other night one lady started to open up about her story, and I could see she was getting more comfortable and starting to gain the strength to break down those barriers."
Project creator Kristy Hitchens said Junee's willingness to sponsor their own student was "amazing".
"I'm so grateful for John at Junee who organised it all, they're not a cashed up club so they're doing their own fundraising which means they must really see the value in what we're trying to achieve," she said.
"It's a big step for a woman to take, especially starting something new as an adult, but because there is that fear and anxiety and doubt, when you do start to see progress through the belt levels, the sense of achievement is empowering."